Guide Series: Post Secondary Options
This Guide Provides Comprehensive Information on Pathways available Post-Secondary. It is simplified and presented in an accessible format for students to make a good and informed decision.
Post Secondary Options – Pathways available after O Level in Singapore.
- Written By Sheryl Wong
- Updated on November 19, 2023
Articles In this Guide
Congratulations on your achievement as a GCE O Level graduate! As you transition into post-secondary education, there are various pathways available in Singapore to consider.
1- Pathways available post Secondary in Singapore
Let’s explore these various institutions and the avenues they offer:
1.1- Getting into Junior Colleges and Millennia Institute post Secondary
| Institutions | Admission Criteria | Admission Options | Certifications Offered | Further Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Colleges | ● L1R5 must not exceed 20 ● Meet grade requirements for specific subjects | ● DSA ● JAE | ● GCE A Levels ● IB Diploma | Universities |
| Millennia Institute | ● L1R4 must not exceed 20 ● Meet grade requirements for specific subjects | ● JAE | ● GCE A Levels | |
| Singapore School of the Arts (SOTA) | Admission Criteria is dependent on the course applied. For more information, visit SOTA's official website. | ● DSA ● Direct Admission | ● IB Diploma | UAS |
| University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) | Admission Criteria is dependent on the course applied. For more information, visit UAS's official website. | ● Direct Admission | ● Diploma | |
| Singapore Sports School (SSP) | Admission Criteria is dependent on the course applied. For more information, visit SSP's official website. | ● DSA ● EAE | ● IB Diploma ● Diploma in Business Studies ● Diploma in Business | Universities |
| Polytechnics | ● ELR2B2 net aggregate must not exceed 26 (for all courses except for Diploma in Nursing). ● ELB2B2 net aggregate must not exceed 28 for Diploma in Nursing ● Meet the minimum entry requirements of the course applied | ● EAE ● JAE ● PFP ● JAPE ● DAE ● DDP | ● Diploma | Universities |
| Institute of Technical Education (ITE) | For admission to Higher Nitec courses: ● Taken at least 5 O-Level subjects over a maximum of 2 years ● Meet the minimum entry requirements of the course applied | ● ITE Application | ● Nitec ● Higher Nitec | Polytechnics |
Junior Colleges offer a two-year program preparing students for the GCE A-Level examinations or the pursuit of the IB diploma. Millennia Institute, on the other hand, provides a distinctive GCE A-Level program that includes the Commerce stream alongside the traditional arts and science streams found in other JCs.
To secure admission to JCs or MI, students can choose between the JAE or the DSA-JC route. The JAE is the main admission exercise for students who have completed their O-Level examinations.
For JCs, the L1R5 score must not exceed 20, and students need to meet the grade requirements for specific subjects. For MI, the L1R4 score must not exceed 20, and students also need to meet subject grade requirements.
The DSA-JC route allows students to secure a place in a JC before taking the O-Level examinations. Each JC offers unique areas of specialization for DSA-JC applicants. Students can apply based on talents in sports, CCAs, and specific academic areas that may not be fully demonstrated in the O-Level exams.
Upon completion of their programs, JC and MI graduates receive an A-Level certificate, while graduates from Anglo-Chinese Schools (Independent) and St. Joseph’s Institution earn the prestigious globally recognized IB Diploma.
These accomplished students have various options for their future education. They can apply to esteemed local universities for further academic pursuits or consider studying abroad to expand their horizons and immerse themselves in new cultures.
Another option is enrolling in polytechnics, which offer specialised education focused on practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, providing a strong foundation for specific fields and professions.
Also read : Junior Colleges in Singapore – An overview
2- Sports and Arts options after O Level
2.1- What if I have an exceptional talent and a deep passion for sports and arts?
If you have exceptional talents and a deep passion for sports or the arts, there are specialized institutions to consider:
Singapore Sports School (SSP): SSP offers a comprehensive approach to developing aspiring athletes. Students can secure admission through the DSA-JC scheme or the Early Admission Exercise (EAE) based on your sports skills and dedication.
SSP also offers certificates in business studies for students interested in sports management. To learn more about SSP, check out the article Everything You Need to Know About Singapore Sports School (SSP).
School of the Arts (SOTA): SOTA fosters creativity and excellence in various artistic disciplines. Talented students can gain direct entry through the DSA-JC scheme or apply for Direct Admission based on their artistic portfolios and auditions. SOTA offers the prestigious IB Diploma Programme and the International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) for specialized art curriculum.
University of Arts Singapore (UAS): UAS is Singapore’s first and only art university, a collaboration between LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. UAS will begin offering Bachelor degrees in various art disciplines in the third quarter of 2023. LASALLE and NAFA will continue their existing diploma programs until then.
Interested students must submit a portfolio and take admission tests, including auditions and interviews. Eligible Normal (Academic) students can apply for the NAFA Foundation Programme, preparing them for NAFA’s diploma programs. After completing their studies, graduates will receive a diploma in their chosen field.
Continuing education at UAS is recommended for students interested in the arts and creative disciplines, as it enhances their creative efforts and enables collaboration with artists from different disciplines, preparing them for future careers.
3- Other options Post Secondary
3.1- Polytechnics
Polytechnics provide practical education and industry-relevant skills. To apply, you can participate in various admission exercises such as the EAE, JAE, PFP, JPAE, and DAE. Some polytechnics also offer the DPP for O-Level graduates who meet the minimum score requirement.
To be eligible for admission to a polytechnic, students must meet these two criteria:
- ELR2B2 net aggregate score must not exceed 26 except for the Diploma in Nursing. To apply for the Diploma in Nursing, ELR2B2 net aggregate score must not exceed 28.
- Meet the minimum entry requirements of the course that they are applying for.
Polytechnic graduates receive highly esteemed diplomas in their specialized fields, equipping them for further education, artistic pursuits, or entry into the workforce. These diplomas are widely recognized and valued by industries and employers. With practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge, graduates have the flexibility to choose higher education at a university, nurture artistic talents at an esteemed art institute, or confidently enter the workforce, armed with invaluable experiences and expertise gained during their polytechnic education.
3.2- Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
ITE offers technical and vocational education through Nitec and Higher Nitec courses. Admission can be through the EAE, JAE, and JIE for Nitec and Higher Nitec courses. Nitec courses primarily admit N-Level holders, while Higher Nitec courses are open to O-Level holders. Additionally, selected Higher Nitec courses are available to Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students through the DPP pathway.
To be eligible for admission to a Higher Nitec course at the ITE, students must meet these 2 criteria:
- Sat for at least 5 O-Level subjects over a maximum of 2 years.
- Meet the minimum entry requirements of the course that they are applying for.
ITE graduates receive certificates signifying their proficiency in their chosen fields, enabling them to pursue further education or enter the workforce. Higher Nitec graduates can choose to continue their education at a polytechnic or enter the workforce based on their interests and goals.
Nitec graduates can specialize in a Higher Nitec course or directly enter the workforce, aligning their choices with their personal interests and objectives.
4- Can Singaporean Students Join International Schools for Post-Secondary Education?
Absolutely! Singaporean students can join MOE schools offering the IB program or international schools affiliated with local schools, like Hwa Chong International School (HCI), ACS(I), and SJI, to embrace the IB curriculum alongside international students.
However, if a Singaporean student wants to join a Foreign System School (FSS), they can apply to the school, and the school has to obtain a waiver from MOE. Admission requirements and processes may differ depending on the school, so it is best to contact the specific international school for more information on eligibility criteria and the application process.
5- Final Thoughts
After conquering your GCE O-Level examinations, you stand at the threshold of an exciting new chapter. Remember to explore your passions, seek guidance, and make informed decisions that align with your interests and future goals.
This is your chance to unleash your potential and shape a bright and promising future. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and embark on this new chapter confidently!
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6- Explore Klassbook for more Classes
To explore more Post Secondary classes, go through our list of various subjects here. Why not start with a trial class to gauge your child’s interest?
About The Author
Meet Sheryl, a vibrant soul fuelled by an unwavering passion for languages. With her warm and approachable nature, she effortlessly connects with others, sharing experiences and inspiring them to pursue their dreams. In her free time, Sheryl embraces her creative side, exploring new cultures and immersing herself in their artistry. She loves to create digital graphics and develop her artistic skills, channelling her passion for languages into visually captivating expressions.
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